Mandera County has long faced significant environmental and socio-economic challenges, suffering from deforestation, desertification, and severe soil erosion that reduce agricultural productivity and biodiversity. Climate change has intensified these issues, bringing hotter temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns that disrupt local livelihoods and natural resources. Many residents, particularly women and youth across Mandera County, struggle with limited access to education, employment, and sustainable livelihoods, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. Gender inequality is prevalent, with vulnerable women, including widows, divorcees, and single mothers, often having fewer opportunities for income generation and social empowerment.
In response to these challenges, the Mandera Municipality Green Initiative was launched in 2014 as a pivotal project within Mandera County's broader environmental strategy. With the full support of the County Government, this ambitious project specifically targeted the urban centers of Mandera and Elwak municipalities, aiming to combat climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-economic challenges faced by the local community. Key partners in the Greening Program include Equity Bank, KCB Bank, National Bank, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and the County Departments of Environment and Climate Change. The County Government has been instrumental, allocating a substantial budget of KES 200 million annually to support the initiative's activities. These organizations provided crucial funding, logistical support, and technical expertise to drive the project forward.
The Greening Program is designed to enhance environmental sustainability across the County, with a particular focus on the municipality's urban areas. By increasing green cover, improving air quality, and combating desertification and soil erosion, the initiative has transformed arid landscapes. Over 500,000 trees have been planted, significantly improving air quality, reducing soil erosion, and combating desertification. The program has also beautified urban areas, creating natural boundaries for road reserves and promoting ecological balance throughout the County.
A critical aspect of the initiative has been its focus on community empowerment. The program has created stable income opportunities for over 1,500 residents across the County, with a particular emphasis on widows, divorcees, single mothers, and the youth. By providing training in tree planting, maintenance, and horticulture, the program has enabled residents to acquire valuable skills and earn sustainable incomes.
The journey was not without challenges. The municipality faced significant obstacles including water scarcity, resistance to change, and a lack of technical skills among some community members. To address these challenges, the program introduced several innovative solutions:
- Introduction of drought-resistant plant species.
- Promotion of water-saving techniques like mulching and water trucking.
- Continuous community sensitization and engagement with local leaders.
The Mandera Green Initiative's success has been recognized globally, with the County winning the prestigious International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) World Green City Awards 2024. This accolade highlights the power of local initiatives in addressing global challenges and reinforces the County’s standing as a leader in environmental conservation and sustainable urban development.
